How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.
Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.
Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaking duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
Even if the activities of the household are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living spaces.
Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In humid and hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.
The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.
It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.
Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.
Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.
Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the expert can complete the task.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.
Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a major issue. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold spore.
Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe you could notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory issues.
Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.
To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.
Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.
The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.
A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.
If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases more serious illnesses.
In the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.
Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.